Encountering "Unauthorized - Session Expired" Error when Launching Zoom in ISU Canvas

Description

This article provides instructions on how to handle an "Unauthorized - Session Expired" error when launching Zoom in ISU Canvas at Idaho State University (ISU). Firefox has disabled specific functions which Zoom uses for integration in Canvas and are required to function properly. This results in the "Unauthorized" error message and prevents Zoom from launching correctly.

Guide Navigation

Identifying the Error Message

When launching Zoom from an ISU Canvas course using the Firefox browser, users may encounter an error message stating "Unauthorized. Sorry, your session was expired. Please refresh the page or login again. 401 - v=2.0; clid=aw1; rid=INT_db20bba99f43e9f8". This issue prevents users from being able to start or join Zoom meetings from their ISU Canvas course.
 
  1. Symptoms: Unable to start or join Zoom meetings in ISU Canvas courses
  2. Possible Causes: Firefox has disabled specific functions used by the Zoom connection in ISU Canvas.

Resolving the Issue

To resolve this issue, there are three main options:
  1. Use a different web browser: Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge work properly with the Zoom integration inside of ISU Canvas. This is the best solution for public computers on ISU campuses.
  2. Disable Enhanced Tracking Protection in Firefox: 
    1. If you receive the error in the Zoom tool within ISU Canvas, select the address bar at the top of the screen and select the shield icon in the left corner. 
    2. Select the toggle for Enhanced Tracking Protection and turn it off.
    3. The page will refresh, and Zoom will function as normal.
    4. Users can go back to the Zoom page in ISU Canvas and turn Enhanced Tracking Protection back on, and the error won't appear in the Firefox browser again.
    5. This solution works well for private computers.
  3. Adjust Firefox's Security Settings to allow exceptions for Zoom:
    1. Select the hamburger menu (three-line button) in the top right corner of the Firefox browser to open the options menu.
    2. Select Settings in the options menu.
    3. A new page will open. Select Privacy and Security.
    4. Scroll down to Cookies and Site Data.
    5. Select Manage Exceptions.
    6. Add https://applications.zoom.us/ as an exception.
    7. This solution works well for private computers.

ITRC Resources

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